CHAOS AND ENCROACHMENT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF TRAFFIC JAM IN SHAHPUR

CHAOS AND ENCROACHMENT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF TRAFFIC JAM IN SHAHPUR

20-NOV-ENG 24

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Traffic congestion has become a serious problem these days in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat, Bhojpur district. A journey that should take only a few minutes now stretches into hours. Whether morning or evening, long lines of vehicles and overcrowded traffic have become a common sight on the roads. This problem isn't exclusive to a single day; residents face this unbearable jam every day. The encroachment of vendors and hawkers on the roads and sidewalks has become so widespread that even pedestrians have difficulty walking. Street vendors even encroach on portions of the road by spreading their goods.

Local residents reported that vendors and hawkers set up their businesses on the sidewalks and roads. During the day, their numbers become so numerous that it becomes extremely difficult for two-wheelers and four-wheelers to pass through. Unfortunately, even ambulances and other emergency vehicles are sometimes stuck in this jam.

To maintain smooth traffic flow, the police and municipal administration periodically launch encroachment removal drives. While the action does seem to improve for a few days, unfortunately, this improvement is short-lived. Soon after, shopkeepers and street vendors reoccupy the road, perpetuating the cycle.

People visiting Shahpur Bazaar for shopping face a severe parking problem. Due to the presence of street vendors along the roadside, there is no proper parking space available. Consequently, people are forced to park their vehicles on the road, exacerbating the traffic jams.

Local residents believe that the administration needs to be more strict in this matter. Shopkeepers and street vendors should be allowed to operate only at designated locations, so that the roads and footpaths remain open for the public to move freely.

On this route, traffic is disrupted by street vendors and illegal bike parking, causing significant inconvenience to residents.

Encroachment has also arisen due to the permanent establishment signs erected by chaat shops, private hospitals, and medical store operators along the roadside.

It should be noted that this problem has become more serious due to the lack of a bus stand, auto stand, and vending zones (designated spaces) for small shopkeepers in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat. To provide relief to citizens, the city administration should take concrete steps towards a permanent solution to this problem.